Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1887-03-16

It is related by Sir Walter Scott, in
one Of his great historical novels, that
. certain chieftain possessed such
strength that he was able to crush the
hand Of any one offered to him by way
| Of salutation. That this is no mere ex-
| aggeration is evidenced from the fact
that there are many cases on record
illustrating the Samson-like grip of
such persons, and their address other
| wise in court and on field.
The various forms OF salutation have
always been of much interest. In early
Bible times. the record reads that Esau
ran to meet Jacob, his brother, and fell
| upon his neck and kissed him. The
embrace and the kiss we're certainly
among the first exhibitions of fraternal
affection. Ii the Hebrew habit was
that, 80 il can be quoted from the
Blind old man Of Scio's rocky isle,"
Homer. in the Odyssey. that when the
hero of that grand epic made himself
known TO his friends they placed their
aruls about Ulysses and showered
kisses upon the head hands, and shout
ders. That sign Of affection became in
time restricted to relatives and those by
the sacred rites Of marriage soon to be
related.
In New Testament times the holy
kiss was enioined upon the brethren.
Among less cultured people the rub
bling OF noses wa long held in high es-
TEEN, and it is told by travellers that
even to this dsy in parts of Africa the
shifting or nose rubbing custom pre-
walls, o. also among Indo-C Chinese races,
Mongols, and others, while the Eski-
mos and Laplanders follow the same
habit.
In many places the kiss il popular,
and men kiss each other as an ex-
preston of their regard. 1t is quite
common in Continental Europe for
parents and near relatives to quit their
family and friends with . kiss on each
cheek. The custom Of kissing the
head is also very venerable, and has
been in vogue time out of mind.
The right hand Of fellowship is ex-
tended In most churches upon receiving
members into the communion. When
candidates for ordination or for any inn
portant step in the course Of Christian
life are accepted, the second chapter OF
Galatians comes to mind, and the right
hand OF fellowship is extended. There
is no doubt but that this custom Of ex-
tending the right hand was introduced
into all modern Christian nations. It
il based upon the Scripture narrative
and epistle, and while possibly not
wholly new, still was given q higher
significance through the New Tesla
ment forms. The Indians Of the plains
and the mountains OF the West have
the universal "How" and the grasp of
| the hand, which they have borrowed
from the white man. This habit has
become fixed among almost every un-
civilized people.
1t is recognized MS the proper act, no
ceremony is complete without it, and it
il like the tobacco among the tribes, the
| sine qua non of the ceremonies, the
sign that must precede all intercourse.
In the early days in all Mississippi
| Valley the Jesuit missionaries said the
Illinois Indians met them with their
hands and arms held high in the air.
This also was the greeting they gave
the sun, Wanbun, on his appearing in
the morning. The sign OF welcome
and aniity has been the right hand,
with perhaps some slight variation.
The right hand indicates and signifies
power. honor; the king held the
scepter in his right hand: the great
pontif OF Rome gave the benediction
with the right hand; the signet rings
were worn on the right hands: the
hand showing fellowship and unity were
and are always the right hands; and all
the great and important aud impressive
state. religious, and paternal acts were
performed By the hand that moved the
world Chicago Inter Ocean.